Church news (June 27 through July 3)

By Sage Merritt

Published: June 26, 2008

The Rev. Alan Kim Webster became the 13th Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Waynesboro at a service held in the church on Tuesday evening. The Right Rev. F. Neff Powell, Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Virginia, conducted the service, which was attended by parishoners, the Rev. Webster’s family and invited guests, including clergy from other Episcopal parishes in the Diocese as well as other religious denominations. A catered reception followed the service. Parishoners presented Webster with a gift of a stained-glass window hanging by area craftsman John Romaine.

Basic United Methodist Church, 489 N. Winchester Ave., corner of Delphine and Fifth Street, Waynesboro, the Rev. Don Gibson — This week’s schedule is as follows:
Sunday: 9:45 a.m. – church school; 11 a.m. – morning worship; 6 p.m. – Hispanic worship service; and 6 p.m. – UM Youth Fellowship.
This Sunday’s sermon will be “Sent,” taken from the Bible text Matthew 10:24-39.
On Sunday, at 6 p.m., Vacation Bible School registration will be held. VBS will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Monday: 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Vacation Bible School.
Tuesday: 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Vacation Bible School.
Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. – Vacation Bible School closing and picnic.
Thursday: 10:45 a.m. – Day Circle Meets; noon – Day Circle Lunch; 7 p.m. – Circle No. 1 meets at the church.
The theme for this year’s Vacation Bible School is “God’s All Star Champions.”
You may contact the church at 949-8947.

Bethany Lutheran Church, 100 Maple Ave., Waynesboro, Pastor Timothy Bohlmann — Sunday school for all ages begins at 9:45 a.m. Traditional worship is at 8:30 a.m. and contemporary worship is at 11 a.m. Nursery services will be available all morning.
The church will host Vacation Bible School July 28 through Aug. 1 from 9-11:30 a.m. The children will walk where Jesus walked to the cross at Jerusalem Marketplace. Children 3 years old through the fifth grade are welcome to join the congregation, but all children must be potty trained.
For more information, or to register for VBS, contact the church office.
Wednesday evening Serenity at Trinity services are held at 7 p.m. on the following dates: July 9, July 23 and Aug. 6. For more information and directions to Trinity in Crimora, contact the church office.
Bethany’s mission is simple – to share God’s love and life with all. You may contact the church at 942-4361.

Beverly Manor Baptist Church – The morning service begins at 11 a.m. with Pastor James H. McIntosh. Lunch will be served immediately following.
The last day of the church’s annual revival service will take tonight, beginning at 7 p.m., with Dr. Gerald Chapman, of Zion Baptist Church in Ambler, Pa., serving as the evangelist for the week.
Pastor Beulah Spellman and the Howard family will be guests at tonight’s revival.
The church’s doors always hang on welcoming hinges. The congregation asks that you come and fellowship with them.

Born Again Pentecostal Church, 172 Little Church Lane, Madison – A revival will be held at the church, with Evangelist Troy Shifflett, from Dibble, Okla.
Services will continue through this Sunday. The revival begins at 7:30 p.m. nightly, and at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning.
There will be a homecoming meal after the morning service.

First Presbyterian Church, 100 East Frederick St., Staunton, the Rev. Dr. Richard S. Dietrich – Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m., with a worship service at 11 a.m. The Rev. Dr. Richard S. Dietrich will deliver the sermon, “If You’re a Prophet, Come On Down!,” based on the Bible text Matthew 10:40-42.
For more information, call 886-0704 or visit http://www.stauntonfirstpres.org.

First Presbyterian Church, 11th Street and Wayne Avenue, Waynesboro, the Rev. Glen Holman — A service will begin at 8:30 a.m., with communion served. Praise and worship is at 9:30 a.m. and traditional worship is at 11 a.m. The Rev. Glen Holman will deliver the message, “The Holiness of God,” with Isaiah 6:1-8 serving as the text.
The summer program begins, with all children beginning the worship service with their parents and then being dismissed for their own worship sessions.
On Thursday at 7 a.m., the men’s Bible study group will meet in the church fellowship hall to discuss the Book of Romans. Women’s Bible study is taking a break for the summer and will return in the fall. The food bank will be open from 9-11 a.m. this week.
Newcomers are welcomed. The church is handicapped accessible and welcomes all.
Contact the church at 949-8366, or visit the Web site at http://www.firstpresway.com.

Fishersville Baptist Church, 1518 Jefferson Highway, Fishersville, Pastor John Hamric – Sunday school begins at 9 a.m., for all ages. Sunday services will be held at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Adult Bible study and Set Apart Youth will take place on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Choir rehearsal begins at 7:30 p.m.
All senior citizens are invited to join the congregation on Sunday at 10 a.m. for their Seniors Sunday Service. The church’s Y.E.S.! Choir (Young Energetic Seniors), along with the Stuarts Draft Baptist Choir, will present “Bound for Glory,” created by Greg and Gail Skipper and arranged by Greg Skipper and Stan Pethel.
All children who have completed first through sixth grades are invited to join us for SonWorld Vacation Bible School. VBS will begin at 6 p.m. on July 13 through July 18. The youth and adults will also have their own VBS sessions and Bible study at the same time. There will be music, stories, crafts, games, Bible memory verses, snacks and more! Contact 942-1058 to sign up.
Keith Plott will be in concert at Fishersville Baptist Church on Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m. A love offering will be received. Plott has sung bass for groups like Brian Free and Assurance and Mercy’s Way and has received many music awards, including a Southern Gospel Music Association Dove Award. Plott has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and the National Quartet Convention. He has a deep love for God and for his family. This will be an evening to remember.
Summer hours will be in effect through Aug. 31. For more information, contact the church at 942-1058 or visit the Web site at http://www.fishersvillebaptistchurch.com.

Fishersville United Methodist Church, 1600 Jefferson Highway, across from the post office, Fishersville, the Rev. Roy P. White – Sunday school begins at 9:45 a.m., including 10 adult Sunday school classes.
An informal worship service will begin at 8:30 a.m., with a traditional service starting at 11 a.m.
Assistant Pastor Larry Nolff will be the guest speaker for Sunday. The message will be “In Every Pew,” based on the Bible text Psalm 46, Isaiah 61:1-3 and Luke 4:16-21.
For more information, contact the church at 942-9355.

Forest Chapel Church, intersection of Routes 340 and 612, Crimora – The church welcomes the community to their last day of Vacation Bible School, taking place tonight from 6:15-8:45 p.m.. Discover your forever friend Jesus at the Friendship Trek Trail. Family Fun Night will be held tonight from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Events are sponsored by Forest Chapel Church of the Brethren and Crimora United Methodist.

Glen Kirk Presbyterian Church, 767 Calf Mountain Road, Waynesboro, the Rev. Charles Reller – Sunday school begins at 9:45 a.m., with a worship service at 10:45 a.m.
On Tuesday, the church will welcome their new minister, the Rev. Conrad, and his wife Jessica. The couple hails from Bovina Center, N.Y. The Rev. Conrad’s seminary years were primarily at New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Jersey, with a brief excursion to Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Mich. He will deliver his first sermon on July 6. The congregation invites you to come and help welcome them to Glen Kirk and the community.
You may contact the church at 943-2896.
Lyndhurst United Methodist Church, 2835 Lyndhurst Road – The church will host a yard sale and breakfast on Saturday at 7 a.m. The breakfast will be sausage gravy, biscuits, eggs, hashbrowns, apple juice and coffee. The cost is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children 6-12 years old. Children 5 years old and under are free. Take-out orders will be available. For more information, call 943-3685. On Saturday, call 943-8057.

Main Street United Methodist Church, 601 W. Main St., Waynesboro, Pastor Todd Schlechty – Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. A contemporary service will take place at 8:30 a.m., with a traditional worship service at 11 a.m. Pastor Todd Schlechty will deliver the sermon, “Reaching Out,” based on the Bible text Acts 10:24-33.
Vacation Bible School will be highlighted during this Sunday’s service.
For more information, call the church at 942-1179.

Morning Star Baptist Church, Mine Branch Road, Crimora – The Minister’s, Deacon’s, Steward’s and Layman’s Union of Virginia will meet on Sunday at the church, which is located at the intersection of Route 340 and Road 633.
Sunday school will begin at 9:45 a.m., with the Rev. James H. McIntosh teaching the classes.
The 11 a.m. sermon will be delivered by the Rev. Mildred Middlebrooks, pastor of Rising Zion Baptist Church in Fairfield. She will be accompanied by the Men of Zion. At noon, there will be a “Women and Youth” talent hour program. Dinner will be served at 1 p.m. Guest speaker for the 2 p.m. service will be the Rev. Theresa Woodson, pastor of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church in Waynesboro. Music will be provided by the Mount Lebanon Church Choir. This spiritual union is community sponored and the public is invited.

Mt. Salem Baptist Church, 1015 Stuart St., Staunton – The church will hold its last day of dedication services tonight. Dr. C.E. Williams, of First Baptist of Harrisonburg, will lead the services, which start at 7 p.m.

Mt. Woodland Baptist Church, Greenfield, Pastor Loretta W. Wyant – The third anniversary for Pastor Loretta W. Wyant will be celebrated on Saturday at 3 p.m. The guest minister will be the Rev. Cary Annette Jordan Claiborne, of the Pleasant Oak Baptist Church in Victoria. Music will be provided by the Blackstone Community Chorus. Everyone is invited to attend.

Pleasant View United Methodist Church, 312 Port Republic Road, Waynesboro, Pastor J. Avery Miller – Sunday school begins at 9 a.m., with a worship service at 10 a.m. The title of this week’s sermon is “Sleeping Saints.”
Bible study is held every Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.
The congregation invites the public to worship with them. They are an open door, open heart, open mind congregation where every visitor is an honored guest.
For more information, contact the church at 943-5455.

Ridgeview Baptist Church, 124 Ridgeview Drive, Stuarts Draft, Pastor Don McClure – Sunday school for all ages begins at 10 a.m. The worship service will begin at 11 a.m. Pastor McClure will deliver the sermon, “What is a Christian?”
On Sunday, at 6 p.m., studies will be held for all ages, including students, men, women and three other adult classes.
On Wednesday, at 7 p.m., Bible studies and a prayer meeting will be held for all ages.
For more information, contact the church at 337-1025.

Rockfish Valley Baptist Church, 3395 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford, Pastor James Lundy – Sunday school is at 9:45 a.m. The morning worship service begins at 11 a.m., with an evening service at 6 p.m.  On Wednesday, at 6 p.m., Bible study will be held. Choir practice will begin at 7 p.m.  For more information, please call 434-361-1360.
Rockfish Presbyterian Church, Nellysford, the Rev. David Cameron – The church will have a new schedule through Sept. 7. There will be one worship service at 10 a.m. and no Sunday school.
For more information, call 434-361-1221.

Second Presbyterian Church, 133 N. Delphine Ave., Waynesboro, the Rev. Dr. John L. McDonald – Sunday school is held from 9:45-10:45 a.m. This Sunday, the preschool and Kid’s Journeys in Faith class will study “The Great Commission.” The Christian Sunday School Class will study faith issues. The church service will take place from 11 a.m. to noon. The Rev. McDonald will continue sermons on the Ten Commandments. The message will be “Making Time,” taken from the Bible text Exodus 20:8-11.
On Monday, Disciple’s Kitchen will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., with Second Presbyterian serving.
On Tuesday, Disciple’s Kitchen will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., with St. John’s Catholic Church serving. Session will meet at 7 p.m.
The adult choir will not meet until Sept. 3.
On Thursday, Disciple’s Kitchen will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., with Tinkling Spring Presbyterian serving.
The church will host the following upcoming events: On July 13, “Worship in the Park” will be held at North Park, off Bridge Avenue. The Summerlee Work Project will be held July 13-18 in West Virginia. The third Wednesday of each month, the food pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon. On the second and fourth Wednesday, Mary Baker Quilters will meet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each week on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, Disciple’s Kitchen is open from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
For more information, contact the church at 943-3211 or 943-3213.

Shenandoah Heights Baptist Church, 901 Shenandoah Ave. – The church will host Son of the World Bible School this Sunday through Wednesday, from 6:30-8:15 p.m. They have something for everyone.

Shenandoah Pentecostal Church, 1640 Lee Highway, Fort Defiance – The church will host an open house on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come to enjoy fun, games and fellowship for all. The church is housed in the old AMA Military Academy building.

St. James Baptist Church, 1094 Albemarle Ave., Waynesboro, Pastor A.T. Crawley – Photographs for the church’s directory will be taken Friday, from 3-9 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. until finished. The church asks that all members are present for one of the sittings.
Sunday school is held each Sunday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Children’s church starts at 10 a.m., beginning with breakfast and followed by learning activities.
Regular worship is at 11 a.m.
Beginning July 7-11, at 6 p.m., the congregation will have their annual Vacation Bible School. Come out and share in this joyous celebration.
Christian Growth class is each Wednesday at 6 p.m.  Women’s fellowship ministry is every third Thursday, at 6 p.m.  Intercessory Prayer Service is held each second and fourth Friday, at 6 p.m.
The public is welcome to any and all services.

Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church, 30 Tinkling Spring Drive, Fishersville – Sunday school for all ages begins at 9:30 a.m. Worship is at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Nursery care is provided for both services and Sunday school. The church is handicapped accessible.
The 8:30 a.m. service will be held in the pavilion, weather permitting. This Sunday’s services will have a patriotic theme.
The church is now registering 3- and 4-year-olds for the 2008-09 year. If interested, please call 886-7974.
You may contact the church at 885-0746 or visit http://www.tinklingspring.org. Summer office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Aug. 8.

Union Baptist Church, 783 Avon Rd., Afton, Pastor Phillip A. Carter – Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m., with a worship service at 11 a.m. A Bible class will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Wayne Hills United Methodist Church – The congregation invites all children to take off on the ride of a lifetime at their summer Vacation Bible School, “Lift Off – Soaring to New Heights with God!” The action begins on July 6 and ends on July 9. From 6:30-8:30 p.m. each evening, a high-flying adventure will provide children a sky view of God’s power and Jesus’ love. Your sky scouts will discover four flight plans that will help them soar to new heights with God: I will follow, I will trust, I will listen and I will serve.
Pre-registration will be held at the church on July 5 from 1-3 p.m. Children may also register during Sunday school on July 6. The church is located at 932 Fir Street.

Waynesboro Church of the Brethren, 364 Bridge Ave., Waynesboro, Pastor Edward L. Carl – The church continues its summer schedule with worship at 9:30 a.m., which continues through July and August.
This Sunday, Pastor Ed Carl will continue the series “The Church You Always Longed For,” with the sixth sermon in the series, “Serving a Broken World.” The sermon will be based on the Bible text Acts 16: 6-15. A “Talk-On” session will follow allowing individuals to raise questions or to make comments regarding the theme for the day or the sermon.
Everyone is invited to share with the Brethren in a traditional style of worship in an atmosphere of openness and caring compassion.
For more information, call the church office at 943-2152 or visit the Web site at http://www.waynesborocob.org.

Waynesboro Covenant Church, 1215 12th St., Waynesboro, Pastor H. Keith Harris – This Sunday, the congregation will meet in the Upper Room at First Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. The message, “A View from the Mountain,” is from the book of Ephesians. The service will include children’s church, special music and contemporary worship. There will be a fellowship meal and a baptism after the service. Waynesboro Covenant Church is a community church dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ and his radical lifestyle of love. The church is non-denominational, so everyone is welcome. First Presbyterian is located on the corner of Wayne Avenue and 11th Street. Follow the blue WCC signs.
Starting next Sunday, the congregation will join the 9:30 a.m. service at First Presbyterian.
For more information, call 942-4168.

Waynesboro Free Methodist Church, corner of Ivy Street and Hopeman Parkway, Pastor David Kurtz — Waynesboro Free Methodist Church invites you to fellowship this Sunday morning. The Short Term Missions Team will report on their recent trip to Costa Rica.
Sunday school classes, for all ages, begin at 9:30 a.m. The worship service begins at 10:30 a.m. with contemporary worship music, hymns and a dynamic message by Pastor David Kurtz. A staffed nursery for babies and a Mothers’ Room are available for small children where mothers can see and hear the service. Junior church, “Discovery Road,” is available for children from 4 years old through the fifth grade.
Tuesday evening is Junior Teens night, starting at 7 p.m. On Wednesday night, at 7 p.m., is the adult prayer meeting.
If you do not have a church home, have any questions about current church activities, or need pastoral assistance of any kind, come by the church or call Pastor Dave Kurtz at 949-8070 or 949-8583.

Waynesboro Mennonite Church, 1801 Monroe St., Waynesboro, Pastor Howard Miller — Sunday school classes, for all ages, are at 9:30 a.m. The Sunday morning worship service is at 10:30 a.m.
The pastor will deliver the message, “Freedom from Doubt,” taken from the Bible text Matthew 11:1-15.
On Tuesday at 7 p.m., Celebrate Recovery meets.
There will be no evening classes this Wednesday.
You can contact the church at 949-0446.

Waynesboro Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1700 Lyndhurst Road, Waynesboro, Pastor Will Johns — This Saturday, Sabbath school is at 9:30 a.m., with Bible study classes geared specifically for children from birth through age 18. There are also several adult classes available, which are currently studying the topic of “The Wonder of Jesus.”
The main worship service is at 10:50 a.m. and includes time for singing, prayer and a Bible message from the pastor. All are welcome.
If you would like to find out more about the church, call 949-7291 or visit the Web site at http://www.waynesborosda.com.

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1904 Mt. Vernon St., Waynesboro, Dr. Jonathan Lovelady – The Red Door contemporary service will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the chapel. A traditional blended service will begin at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. Classes for children and adults are held at 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. to accommodate persons attending both worship services.
This Sunday’s message will be “Getting Out of the Mud,” based on Jeremiah 38:17-24.
The Middle School Youth (CIA) will meet for fellowship on Sunday evening at 6 p.m. The High School Youth (TLC) will meet for fellowship on Sunday evening at 7 p.m.
The softball team will be playing this week on Tuesday, at 7 p.m., at North Park.
For more information, call 942-1145 or visit the church Web site at http://www.wpc-waynesboro.com.

An Americana Celebration featuring the Crestmen in concert will take place on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The Crestmen are a Southern gospel group from the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. They have traveled extensively across the nation spreading the love of Jesus Christ in song for the past many years. Members of the group are Charlie Propst, Ricky Hall, Kevin Rexrode and Tim Williams.
The outdoor concert will be held at the home of Gary and Karen Wright, located at 626 Cattlescales Road in Waynesboro. Bring your lawn chairs.
The rain location is Glovier Memorial United Methodist Church. The event is sponsored by the church.

Ridgeview Christian School is now accepting enrollment in kindergarten through 12th grade. A Christ-centered education, the cost starts at around $50 per week. For more information, call Summer Woody at 337-1025 or e-mail .

The Pentecostal Outreach Church in Buena Vista will sponsor its Seventh Virginia Southern Gospel Jubilee on July 10-12 in Glen Maury Park. The park is located on 10th Street in Buena Vista. The event will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Professional southern gospel singing groups from around the country will perform each evening. The event is free, but a free-will offering will be received nightly.
Camp parking and concessions will be available for those attending. Hundreds of people attend the annual event to enjoy, not only the singing and the music, but also the food, fun and fellowship of others gathered beneath the multi-purpose shelter in the park. Rain or shine, the event will take place.
This year’s gospel singing groups include the following: on Thursday, Mike Upright, of Asheville, N.C.; the Browders, of Hiltons; and Kevin Spencer and Friends, of Ashland, Ohio. On Friday, Restoration, of Gordonsville; and the Singing Cookes and the Cooke Brothers, of Kingsport, Tenn. At the closing event on Saturday, the Bowlings, of Corbin, Kent.; the Oxendines, of Shannon, N.C.; and Carla and Redemption, of Lumberton, N.C.
The public is invited to attend this free event. It is recommended that everyone bring a lawn chair for comfortable seating. For more information, contact Pastor Larry Clark at 261-2556 or visit the event’s Web site at http://www.VaSouthernGospelJubilee.com for more information on the singing groups.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses will host their annual convention at the Civic Center Coliseum beginning July 4 at 9:20 a.m. The 2008 “Guided by God’s Spirit” District Convention is open to the public. Admission to the convention is free, and no collections will be taken. The program will focus on why reliable guidance is needed today and where people can turn to for trustworthy advice in all aspects of life.
Witnesses who are associated with the area’s 47 congregations anticipate an excellent turnout for the event in view of the enthusiastic response to last year’s convention, which had the theme “Follow the Christ!” Witnesses also look forward to welcoming many non-witnesses to the convention. Witnesses believe that all who attend will benefit from the practical information presented.

Christ Tabernacle Church of God in Christ will host a chicken and fish dinner for their building fund project. The event will be held at the K-mart parking lot on Saturday. The dinners are $8. For more information, please call 943-8056.

For the Evangelical United Brethren Archive, the group would like any surviving information from United Brethren or Evangelical United Brethren churches. This includes church histories, ministers who served, bulletins, programs, clippings, obituaries of ministers, pictures and information on Camp Shenandoah, Camp Penn or Camp Overlook. Please send to: EUB Archive, Shenandoah University, 1460 University Dr., Winchester, Va., 22601-5195.

You are invited to a Women’s Day gathering on July 13 at 5 p.m. The guest speaker will be Missionary Terraine Miles of Fresh Annointing Cathedral of Richmond. There will be a special gift giveaway for a free spa day. Join the women at Steadfast Church of God in Christ on China Clay Road in Stuarts Draft. Everyone is welcome.